Evenwood's Ernie recognised for 'remarkable' efforts to help people with dementia

EVENWOOD pensioner Ernie Malt has been recognised for his “remarkable” efforts to make life better for people with dementia.
Mr Malt, 70,  was named Inspirational Individual of the Year at Alzheimer’s Society’s 2016 Dementia Friendly Awards.
The event was hosted by TV star and Alzheimer’s Society ambassador Angela Rippon.
Mr Malt, who has vascular dementia, collected his award from MP Jeremy Hunt, secretary of state for health at the ceremony in Westminster last week. The national awards celebrate organisations, communities and individuals making outstanding contributions towards improving the lives and experiences of people with dementia.
This year there were nine award categories.
Mr Malt was recolonised for his efforts to make life better for people with dementia – refusing to allow his diagnosis to dampen his drive to support people in need. He secured funding to run a dementia cafe for a year, and through County Durham DAA audited the Virgin Trains East Coast Dementia Environment Audit tool for all train stations.
He was the driving force behind Dementia Friendly Evenwood and the face of a media campaign promoting Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service’s Safe and Wellbeing programme.
He also managed to
secure funding for a sensory garden to be created in his village that will be enjoyed by all of its residents.
Mr Malt said: “I was in a state of shock when I realised I’d won and it took me ages to stop shaking because I
couldn’t believe it.
“I’m truly honoured. I know I instigated the Dementia Cafe but I couldn’t have done it without the support of people around me. There was so much positivity when people heard about my plans, which was really great and it got people to come out of the woodwork to make it a success.
“They inspired me and I’d like to think that I might have inspired people who are living with dementia to know they can take action.”
Presenting the award, Mr Hunt said: “I am honoured to present the inspiring individual award to Ernie Malt, who is proof that it is possible to live well with dementia.
“Ernie has gone the extra mile to make Evenwood dementia friendly by setting up a dementia cafe in the village.
“I want to congratulate him on his achievements and inspiring commitment to spread awareness, ensuring people with dementia can continue to feel part of their local community.
Andrew Ball, Dementia Action Alliance project manager in the North East, said: “We could not be more proud of what Ernie has achieved.
“He has worked closely with dementia support worker Rowena Carr to demonstrate that life really does not end when a diagnosis of dementia begins.”
There are 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia, with this figure set to rise to more than a million by 2021.
With myths and misunderstandings about dementia continuing to contribute to the stigma and isolation many people feel, Alzheimer’s Society warns it has never been more vital for communities to rally together to make a difference.
Alzheimer’s Society’s chief executive, Jeremy Hughes, said: “Dementia is the biggest health and social care issue facing our society.”